Working posture In Relation to

Dental Ergonomics
 What Is Ergonomics…….

1. Derived from the Greek…”ergos” meaning work

and “nomos”the study of.
2. „Ergonomics is the study of work including the
tasks, the technology and the environment, in
relation to human capabilities.
3. „Ergonomics is a way to work smarter—not harder—
by designing tools, equipment, work areas and
tasks to fit the individual worker. „Leads to
improved productivity, reduced injuries, and
greater worker satisfaction.
 Goals Of Ergonomics….

1. Improve job process by eliminating unnecessary tasks,

steps & effort
2. Reduce potential for overexertion injury
3. Minimize mental/physical fatigue potential
4. Increase workers’ skills / knowledge of their jobs to re-
design work to increase their satisfaction, comfort and
fulfillment
 Concequences Of Poor Ergonomics ..

1. Discomfort →Chronic Pain

2. Accidents →Injuries
3. Fatigue →Increased Errors
4. Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs)
−Low back pain**most common
 Relation Between Dentistry And Ergonomics

1. Magnification system
Improve neck posture, Provide clearer vision
We must consider :
1. Working distance
2. Depth of field
3. Declination angle
4. Convergence angle
5. Magnification factor
6. Lighting needs
 2.Operator Chair

Aim: Promote mobility and patient access; accommodate

different body sizes
Requirments :
1. Stability (5 legged base w/casters)
2. Adjustable lumbar support
3. Seat height adjustment
4. Adjustable foot rests
5. Adjustable, wrap-around body support or arm
supports
 3.Patient Chair

Promote patient comfort; maximize patient access

Requirments:
1. Stability
2. Pivoting or drop-down arm rests (for patient
ingress/egress)
3. Supplemental wrist/forearm support (for
operator)
4. Articulating head rests
5. Hands-free or preset operation
 4. Posture/Positioning

 Potential Strategies:
1. Position patient back far enough so that their mouth is
at the operator’s elbow. Elbows are elevated no more
than 30 degrees.
2. Adjust patient chair when accessing different
quadrants.
3. Turn the patient’s head as needed
4. Alternate between standing and sitting— frequent rest
breaks every 20-30 mins.
5. On-site stretching exercises avoid static and/or
awkward postures
Normal stool RGP Straddle
Stool
 5.Work Practices

 Aim: Maintain neutral posture, reduce force

requirements
 Requirements:
1. Ensure instruments are sharpened, wellmaintained
2. Use automatic handpieces instead of manual
instruments where possible
3. Use full-arm strokes rather than wrist strokes
 6- Visibility: Light Position (Maxillary

 For the Maxilla:

 „
Light must not be obstructed by operator’s head or hands
 „
Light shines into patient’s mouth at an angle in front of
the patient with chin up position
 „Beam is more parallel to floor or 10 degrees upward.
Light position (mandible)
1. Light must not be obstructed by operator’s head or
hands
2. „
Light shines directly above the patient’s head with
chin down position
3. „Beam is nearly perpendicular to floor, angled 10
degrees down
 Conclusion

 Two dental students may be exposed to the same

degree of intensity , one will develop muscloskeletal
disorder and the other not
 We don’t know why ? But it is true
 Poor ergonomic choise may impact you today or even
a few years down the road
 Reference:

 http://www.caut.ca/docs/default-source/health-
safety-fact-sheets/ohcow-handbook.pdf?sfvrsn=10
 http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/dem/print/vol
ume-11/issue-3/equipment/let-ergonomics-and-
true-four-handed-dentistry-help-you.html
 http://www.lm-
dental.com/sites/default/files/materials/the_value_
of_an_ergonomic_instrument_grip_article_0114_i
d_18653.pdf
 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC414
4062/